Cowboys rule out cornerback Caelen Carson against Giants

The Dallas Cowboys have ruled out rookie cornerback Caelen Carson with a shoulder injury he suffered in Sunday’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Third-year cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. is expected to start on the outside in what will be his debut with the team after being acquired via trade with the Minnesota Vikings in August. Fourth-year cornerback Israel Mukuamu is also an option, although he has seen more practice work in the slot than outside.

The fill-in for Carson, along with fellow starting cornerback Trevon Diggs, will take on the challenge of defending breakout Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers who enters week four of the NFL season second in receptions (23) and fifth in receiving yards across the league (271). Jourdan Lewis will also be the featured cornerback in the slot.

Carson had been filling in for 2023 All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who was put on the injured reserve/designated to return list at the beginning of the season after suffering a fracture in his foot that required surgery. He is eligible to return to practice as early as Monday after missing four weeks and can return to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

To assist the depth at cornerback, the Cowboys elevated cornerback Amani Oruwariye from the practice squad for the first time this season. The team also used its second elevation on defensive end Carl Lawson.

Joining Carson on the inactive list for Thursday night’s game was safety Markquese Bell who will not play after exiting the loss against the Ravens with an ankle injury. While he was not a factor through three week defensively, Bell had been used consistently on special teams.

The rest of the inactives for the Cowboys include wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, defensive end Tyrus Wheat, quarterback Trey Lance, tight end John Stephens Jr., and offensive tackle Matt Waletzko. The inactives for the Giants include cornerback Dru Phillips (calf injury), cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (calf injury), quarterback Tommy DeVito, linebacker Benton Whitley, guard Jake Kubas, linebacker Boogie Basham and safety Anthony Johnson.